Elucidation of odd-chain dicarboxylate metabolism in Acinetobacter baylyi and application to polyethylene upcycling

An integrated approach combines chemical degradation and biological conversion of postconsumer polyethylene waste into a value-added bioproduct in the nonmodel bacterium Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1. This study provides the genetic basis for applying synthetic biology and systems biology to construct a versatile microbial chassis for bio-upcycling plastic waste, thereby contributing to sustainable biomanufacturing.